The Once-Trendy '80s Neutral That's Making A Comeback To Replace Dated Gray

While neutrals are always a wise choice for interiors due to their adaptability, trends in particular shades and variations tend to come and go. Creams and beiges led the charge in the early 2000s, and shades of gray and charcoal, the "millennial grays," have been a popular neutral for the past decade or so. This may be changing, with a new and trendy neutral on the horizon that is actually a throwback to another era. The 1980s love of brown in all its various permutations is making a strong comeback and showing up everywhere from walls and draperies to upholstery and decorative accents.

The rise of brown is possibly an indication that gray is feeling stale and outdated, in addition to being too predictable due to oversaturation. Gray can also come across as sterile and cold when used too abundantly. A once-hated color among designers, brown presents a warmer and slightly retro alternative that can be beautiful and comes in just as many different shades, including deep chocolate browns and lighter cocoa and taupe shades. The result is a cozy space with a built-in organic feel.

One of the chief benefits of bringing more brown into your space is its adaptability. A natural earth tone often grouped with blues and greens, brown mixes equally well with other shades. It also looks adorable with pastels like pale blue, mint green, lavender, and ballet pink. Or, try combining it with oranges and other sunset shades for a fun retro style. 

Brown can be especially stunning when combined with wood furniture and flooring, particularly when added in layers. This method will create a color-drenched monochromatic look in any room. Or, for a contemporary edge, juxtapose dark brown with white or cream for a high-contrast space. It's a color that lends itself well to a multitude of design styles, including farmhouse, cottage, woodland cabin, boho, and glam, depending on how you use it. It can draw on its retro roots in vintage-driven spaces or shine in sleek and contemporary ones.

Designers recommend staying away from browns with orange undertones in favor of more neutral, cooler, or reddish browns. Brown is a color you likely already have in your home if you have a lot of wood, making it easier to layer and add shades of brown here and there gradually. Adding more wood accents, like wood or faux-bois lamps or pottery, is a great starting point. Consider painting an accent wall in one of the many versatile shades of brown paint to create drama and ground a space.

For an elevated look, bring in luxe brown fabrics like velvet, tweed, and corduroy to add texture. You can also pair browns with natural materials like woven sisal and bamboo for a Balinese-style look. If you already have a lot of gray, the good news is that brown actually pairs quite well with gray and can help warm up and provide greater depth and sophistication to its fellow neutral when placed side by side.